Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream has been a topic of much debate among beauty enthusiasts. Some swear by its hydrating and brightening effects, while others find it too heavy or ineffective. In this review, I will share my experience with Charlotte Tilbury’s’ Radiant Glow Cream and whether it lived up to the hype.
When a renowned makeup artist launches a skincare line, there is always some apprehension on my part.
While makeup artists are knowledgeable about enhancing skin appearance, if given the choice, I would typically choose a skincare product from a well-known dermatologist over a makeup artist’s brand.
Therefore, when presented with the opportunity to try Charlotte Tilbury’s controversial Magic Cream, which has garnered mixed reviews and is quite pricey, I was curious to see if my perspective would change.
Would I overcome my skincare bias? Or would I remain loyal to dermatologist-approved products?
Read on to discover my verdict.
Product Features
This SPF day cream from Charlotte Tilbury boasts numerous benefits according to the Charlotte Tilbury website, with enthusiastic use of exclamation marks that might seem overwhelming. However, the real test lies in its performance rather than just bold claims.
The cream promises to retexturize, smooth, firm, plump, and prime the skin all at once, offering a multitasking solution. Backed by clinical evidence to enhance the skin’s barrier function, it contains key ingredients such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and innovative ‘Cushion + Life Mesh Technology’ for skin smoothing.
This day cream is designed to enhance light reflection in a flattering manner, creating a luminous effect. Additionally, it claims to provide a perfect base for makeup application, ensuring longevity and a flawless finish.
Price Options for Charlotte Tilbury’s Moisturizer
When it comes to pricing, Charlotte Tilbury’s offers various options to suit different needs and budgets. The moisturizer comes in different sizes: 50ml priced at £79 from Cult Beauty UK or $100 from Sephora US, a smaller 30ml size at £52 from Cult Beauty UK or $65 from Sephora US, a supersized 150ml at £195 from Cult Beauty UK or $260 from Sephora US, and a travel-sized 15ml available for £26 from Charlotte Tilbury UK or $30 from Sephora US. Additionally, refills are also an option for those interested.
Initial Impressions
Upon opening the luxurious and elegant Charlotte Tilbury’s packaging, the glass jar with a gold lid exudes sophistication. Removing the easy-to-take-off plastic cover reveals a pleasant yet subtle scent that is neither overpowering nor intrusive, offering a clean and attractive aroma.
While some may find the fragrance slightly mature, overall, it leaves a positive first impression. The texture of the cream is smooth and creamy, making it easy to apply on different parts of the face with a gentle swipe of the finger.
Massaging the cream into the skin provides a soothing sensation, leaving the skin appearing hydrated, refreshed, and revitalized. Although it does not miraculously erase wrinkles, the immediate plumping effect gives the skin a healthy and lively appearance.
My Ongoing Experience with Charlotte Tilbury’s
After using Charlotte Tilbury’s for a few days, I noticed that my skin was highly moisturized and overall looking good. Although I didn’t see a significant improvement in firmness, I enjoyed the texture on my skin, the fresh floral scent, and overall felt that it was a nice moisturizer to use.
While some people reported skin reactions after using it, I personally did not experience any. However, to my disappointment, our relationship was short-lived. Despite its hydrating, plumping, and fresh qualities, there was a major issue—it was too oily for my oily skin type.
Initially, I didn’t notice this issue. I was impressed by how it made my skin look plump and how my makeup appeared more radiant with it. However, as any person with oily skin knows, prolonged intense hydration eventually leads to increased oiliness.
What was once a radiant makeup look that initially sat well on top of the moisturizer soon transformed into a greasy, oily mess around a week later. My makeup started to slide off by mid-morning, and even my usual setting spray couldn’t control it. It felt like my makeup had acquired a life of its own.
Dealing with greasy makeup is my worst nightmare, and every morning became a battle to prevent it. You might ask, “Why try a moisturizer with shea butter then?” Well, shea butter alone is not something I would typically use on my already oily skin.
Disappointment with Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream
Perhaps it was the allure of the abundance of exclamation marks at the end of the product’s description that drew me in. Or maybe it was the initial fullness it provided my skin that deceived me into a deceptive reassurance.
Regardless, my expectations for this item were shattered, and the Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream now sadly remains untouched on my vanity.
Ultimate Value Proposition
When considering a day cream like Charlotte Tilbury’s priced at £79/$100 for a standard size, one expects nothing short of perfection. To test the waters, opting for the travel-sized version or securing a sample beforehand could be wise, especially for those with normal skin types. However, if oily skin is a concern, exploring the lighter alternative such as Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream Light Moisturiser (£79 from Cult Beauty UK/$100 from Charlotte Tilbury US) might offer a refreshing change with its cloud-like formula inspired by the original magic.
While the regular Magic Cream may come with a hefty price tag that shocks many, for those who find it indispensable and perfectly tailored to their skincare needs, the investment is deemed worthwhile. Yet, if it falls short of being the epitome of perfection for you, exploring similar and more cost-effective alternatives is a sensible route. For instance, Juno & Co Moonshine Priming Moisturizer ($35 from Juno & Co) and Glossier’s Priming Moisturizer Rich (£35 from Glossier UK/$35 from Glossier US) have garnered praise as potential substitutes on a global scale. The choice is yours.
Customer Feedback
Opinions on Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream are divided among users, with some praising its effects and others expressing dissatisfaction.
A user named Worcester Rose gave the product a low rating, citing issues with its texture and performance. She mentioned experiencing severe breakouts and discomfort due to the cream being thick and oily.
Another user, JenniferElle, disliked the intense scent of the product, advising others against using it on their faces.
On the contrary, many users are highly satisfied with the Magic Cream. Londie, for example, raved about the positive impact it had on her complexion, describing it as a luxurious, skin-smoothing experience that transformed her dry skin. She emphasized the product’s effectiveness in improving her overall skin condition.
Key Points
While my oily skin may have played a part in my disappointment with Charlotte Tilbury’s cream, I find that the overall heaviness of Charlotte Tilbury’s skincare products may be a common issue. The thick formula, though initially impressive, proves to be too much even for dry skin types like mine, leading me to not repurchase it.
Despite my experience, it’s important to note that many others adore this product. However, it’s worth considering the differing opinions before committing to the purchase.
